XL bully dog discounted ‘snip and chip’ service offered by Wicklow charity

From Tuesday, October 1, new regulations prohibit the importing, breeding, selling and re-homing of XL bully type dogs.

From February 1, 2025, it will be illegal to own an XL bully type dog without a certificate of exemption issued by the local authority in which the dog resides.

XL bully owners will have between October 1, 2024 and before February 1 2025 to apply for a certificate of exemption.

Wicklow Animal Welfare will run the 'snip and chip' scheme to help responsible owners of XL bully dogs to comply with the new rules and regulations pertaining to the ownership/guardianship of these dogs.

"If these dogs really are well-loved family pets, their owners will comply with the new regulations or risk losing them," said Fiona Gammell. "Please do the right thing and comply with the new regulations. Your dog cannot do it themselves. Please contact Mairead Nolan of Avondale Vets in Rathdrum on 0404 46217 and she will book an appointment for your dog to be microchipped and neutered. All dogs will be neutered in Avondale Rathdrum Clinic only. Please bear this in mind and you will also have to bring your dog to them and collect the same day."

As a cross of restricted breeds, XL bully type dogs are subject to the existing additional controls. This means when in a public place, these dogs must be securely muzzled and kept on a strong chain or leash (maximum 2 metres in length) by a person over 16 years of age who is capable of controlling the dog.

The Government has postponed a ban on the rehoming of XL bully dogs until February next year after animal welfare charities raised concerns.

Fiona added: "This ban was originally to be introduced on October 1, but it has been extended to February 1 to give owners and rescues more time to comply with the legislation being proposed. Unfortunately this has come about because a few bad owners of good dogs have not complied with the current laws that require dogs on the restricted list to be muzzled and on lead in a public place. If these rules were complied with, there would be no need for any new laws."

After February 1, 2025, all XL bully type dogs must be microchipped and neutered (male castrated and female spayed) and a certificate of exemption must be obtained from your local council offices.

You will need to apply for a certificate of exemption and submit a copy of a valid dog licence, a copy of a microchipping certificate for the dog, and a copy of he veterinary confirmation of neutering status. The certificate of exemption is valid for the natural life of the dog that it is issued to.

The animals are not considered a breed in their own right, but are seen rather as a type of the dog that is bred in a particular manner. There are height guidelines in place to ascertain whether or not your dog is in fact an XL bully dog. The height is a male 20 inches or over to the withers/shoulder and 19 inches or over to the withers/shoulder for a female.

Fiona said: "Please note we are a small private rescue and do not receive any grants or tax payers money. We are not connected to or affiliated to Wicklow SPCA, Sharpeshill or the ISPCA. We are an autonomous rescue doing our best to lead the way in animal welfare and compliance. Thanks to Avondale Vets and staff for helping us to help others.

"The cost is €70 for 'snip and chip', if you can afford to pay more, please do. If you would like to help us with this initiative please see Paypal or you can use our bank details. e would be very grateful towards any assistance we get."